Young singers help preserve Ca Tru in Hai Phong. (Photo: VOV)

Every weekend and on national holidays, Hai Phong city’s Culture Center holds a special program featuring Vietnam’s traditional art forms, either at the Center or in the city park. 25 clubs sponsored by the Culture Center are introducing Xam singing, ceremonial singing, and reformed opera to a wider public.

“Vietnam has a diverse culture. I’d like to learn more about the different cultural heritages. As a young person, I think about the importance of preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritages to foreign friends,” a member of the audience said.

"I've watched performances of Mother Goddess worship twice and was very impressed. Those performance taught me about Vietnam’s rich cultural tradition," said another spectator.

The Xam club of Hai Phong city’s Cultural Center provides regular art performances for local people. (Photo: VOV)

Through such public performances, many young talents have been discovered and trained. Hai Phong’s traditional folk music and art club now has 20 young members, who are learning to perform ceremonial singing. The youngest member is just 4 years old. Club members learn vocal and performing techniques and how to play the Phach – two wooden sticks beaten against a small bamboo bar.

14-year-old Tran Thi Kim Hue has studied this art form for 7 years. Hue and other club members have taken part in many performances and contests in her locality and other areas.

“I can perform different forms of ceremonial singing. I spend a lot of time practicing the Phach and vocal techniques.  I hope ceremonial singing will reach more young people so they can enjoy it and join our effort to preserve it,” said Hue.

Trinh Van Tu, deputy head of Hai Phong city’s Department of Culture and Sports, said, “We have sponsored local clubs to help preserve and promote our cultural heritage. Local artisans have been honored and public performances have been organized to bring traditional art forms closer to the public.”